Abu Dhabi, 25th February 2015: The inaugural Takamul Defence Innovation and Technology Conference (DITEC) 2015 proved a great success with over 300 delegates and speakers attending. The conference took place on 25 February, and was organised by the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee (TDC), the government entity established to support the development of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in Abu Dhabi. Through its wide range of initiatives, TDC is at the forefront of fostering an STI talent base and driving innovation in support of realizing leadership’s goal of making the UAE amongst the most innovative nations in the world.
The conference titled “Defense Innovation and Technology: From Ideas to Applications,” succeeded in providing a unique opportunity to help shape roadmaps for technology and innovation within the defense sector around the world. With key speakers and luminaries from leading organizations and governments from across the world, DITEC 2015 instigated numerous conversations and opportunities for defense and technology cooperation on a global scale.
HE Ahmed Saeed Al Calily, Director General, TDC, commented: “Hosting DITEC is part of our drive and commitment to support the development of science, technology and to support the government’s drive for innovation. Given that defense industries have traditionally been amongst the sectors that drive innovation, it was important that we create a platform for the various stakeholders to come together to discuss innovation in the defense sector and how it can benefit the UAE. ”
DITEC 2015 attracted a record number of attendees from 12 different countries, with over 20 local and international specialized speakers. Participants highlighted vital defense sector subjects and how defense contributes to advanced research, technology, and innovation. The event also gave its participants the opportunity to examine UAE defense inventions.
“We are fortunate to have attracted a large number of eminent thinkers and practitioners amongst the defense industry. This conference created an interactive platform for great minds to discuss innovation and advanced technologies, and international best practices on government-industry-academia cooperation frameworks in the defense sector,” he added.
TDC’s Takamul Programme is focused on supporting the development of technological innovations by facilitating the creation, protection and commercialization of intellectual property (patents) by UAE individuals, academia and companies. Through Takamul, the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee actively supports valuable innovations that have applications in a number of sectors, from advanced materials to ICT and chemicals, and that could benefit the defense industry.
DITEC 2015 was supported by The Ministry of Defence as the strategic partner and officially sponsored by Tawazun, as the platinum sponsor, and the UAE Space Agency, as the silver sponsor.